Osmium is produced as a by-product of nickel refining. The element occurs in the mineral iridosule and in platinum-bearing river sands in the Urals, North America and South America. While there is little osmium in these products, it can be easily obtained from processed nickel ores.

How is osmium found in nature?

Osmium occurs uncombined in nature and also in the mineral osmiridium (an alloy with iridium). Most osmium is obtained commercially from the wastes of nickel refining.

Is osmium man made?

As with all of the platinum group metals, osmium can be found naturally in alloys with nickel or copper.